Severe Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Otherwise Healthy Children: A Three-Case Series and Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Severe lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) in neurologically and anatomically normal children is uncommon and frequently underdiagnosed. When severe, functional voiding disorders may closely mimic obstructive or reflux pathology, leading to diagnostic errors, unnecessary invasive procedures, and potential risk to the upper urinary tract. Case presentation: We present three pediatric cases (aged 3–10 years) referred for recurrent febrile urinary tract infections, incontinence, or acute urinary retention in the absence of neurological or structural abnormalities. Urodynamic evaluation identified three distinct severe functional phenotypes: detrusor overactivity with reduced bladder capacity, poor compliance with detrusor–sphincter dyssynergia and secondary high-grade vesicoureteral reflux (Hinman syndrome), and detrusor underactivity with significant post-void residual volumes. All patients demonstrated marked bladder wall remodeling on cystoscopy, including trabeculation and pseudopolypoid mucosal changes. Case discussion: Despite similar clinical severity, the cases illustrated substantial functional heterogeneity and differing risks of upper urinary tract involvement. Urodynamic phenotyping proved central to diagnosis, differentiation from structural disease, and treatment planning. Multimodal conservative management—including urotherapy, pelvic floor biofeedback, targeted pharmacologic therapy, and, when indicated, clean intermittent catheterization or antibiotic prophylaxis—led to resolution of recurrent infections and meaningful improvement in bladder function during medium-term follow-up, although symptom recurrence occurred in one patient after treatment withdrawal. Conclusions: These cases highlight the heterogeneity and potential reversibility of severe functional LUTD in otherwise healthy children. Early functional recognition based on urodynamic assessment is essential to avoid misdiagnosis, prevent unnecessary surgical intervention, and protect renal function. Conservative, function-oriented management remains the cornerstone of effective treatment. The findings are discussed in the context of the existing literature on severe non-neurogenic LUTD and Hinman syndrome

Figure 1. VCUG images. Representative imaging and endoscopic findings from the three pediatric patients with severe functional LUTD and recurrent urinary tract infections (A–C). (A) Case 1: Voiding cystourethrography showing a crenulated, asymmetric bladder contour without reflux; (B) Case 2: Voiding cystourethrography illustrating grade V left vesicoureteral reflux with a tortuous, dilated ureter and dilated pelvis and calyces; (C) Case 3: Voiding cystourethrography depicting a large-capacity bladder with mild crenulation and grade I reflux, associated with incomplete voiding and high post-void residual.

Stanciu, O.-O., Moga, A., Balanescu, L., Andriescu, M., Caragata, R., & Balanescu, R. (2026). Severe Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction in Otherwise Healthy Children: A Three-Case Series and Narrative Review. Pediatric Reports, 18(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric18010020